protect home – Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley respond to a buzzer-beating Raptors game-winner as Cleveland turns to protecting home court for Game 7.
A buzzer-beater that found the bottom of the net left the Cleveland Cavaliers stunned, but Donovan Mitchell was already talking about the next move.
In Game 6. the Raptors’ RJ Barrett delivered the winning shot in overtime. a finish that defied the bounce and dropped in with just seconds remaining.. Cleveland’s frustration was visible after the loss. yet Mitchell’s message in the locker room was consistent: protect home court.. He repeated the same theme when answering questions. signaling that even a crushing defeat can’t derail the bigger objective as the playoffs tighten.
That mindset matters because, in a series that can swing on moments like one shot at the buzzer, the teams that recover fastest mentally often control the margins.
Evan Mobley offered his own view of the late sequence. describing the defensive contest and the look he thought the ball might be headed away before it went in.. Cleveland still had bright spots. and Mobley’s performance stood out as he carried a significant scoring load while also contributing playmaking.. His reaction matched the tone coming from Mitchell and others: regroup quickly and treat the next game as the only one that counts.
Meanwhile, James Harden kept it simple as the emotions settled.. After a difficult loss. he emphasized the need to move on quickly. watch the film. correct what can be corrected. and arrive ready for the final push.. Dean Wade echoed that sentiment. acknowledging the stinging nature of the outcome while stressing that the Cavs are still alive and still have work to do before Game 7.
This is the key turning point for Cleveland: protecting home court is not just a slogan, it’s the quickest way to convert disappointment into urgency, especially when the margin for error disappears.
With less than 48 hours until the next matchup at Rocket Arena, the Cavaliers know the assignment is clear.. Mitchell framed the situation as a test of character and experience. pointing to how much of the locker room has lived through playoff pressure before.. Even with the heartbreaking ending against Toronto. he suggested Cleveland can’t lose belief in what worked. and must be ready to bring the same energy again.
For now, the Cavaliers will have to let this one sting while they shift focus to the next game.. Mobley’s call was collective: bring the group together. produce at the level they showed at times. and come out with a win when it matters most.. And for Mitchell, the lesson is already written in three words: protect home court.
In playoff basketball, the ability to reset in the hours after a heartbreaking loss often defines the series, and Cleveland’s message suggests it understands that clock as well as anyone.